NOK Wins 2025 Polymer Society Technical Award for Innovative Low-Friction Technology

NOK's Revolutionary Polymer Brush Technology

NOK Corporation, headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has made waves in the realm of materials science with its innovative research on a low-friction technology known as the "Polymer Brush." This groundbreaking discovery has earned the company the prestigious "2025 Polymer Society Technical Award," an accolade given annually to individuals or groups that demonstrate exceptional advancements in polymer science.

Overview of the Polymer Brush Technology

The Polymer Brush technology is a sophisticated surface treatment mechanism designed to form a dense and uniform film on a molecular level. By significantly reducing friction, it enhances the performance and longevity of sealing devices. Moreover, this cutting-edge technology could potentially offer a range of benefits, such as preventing dirt accumulation and increasing durability, thereby expanding the design possibilities for sealing products.

Implications for Various Industries

NOK's sealing products find applications across various sectors, including automotive and general industrial machinery. The company is dedicated to ongoing research and development efforts to further enhance product performance. In pursuit of bringing the Polymer Brush technology into practical use, NOK has joined forces with the Kyoto University Institute of Chemical Research as part of an industry-academia collaboration, aiming for practical implementation in society. This award serves as a recognition of these high-caliber endeavors.

The 2025 Polymer Society Technical Award

The Polymer Society, a reputable academic organization with approximately 8,000 members, honors individuals and groups that have achieved remarkable results in the field of polymer science and technology. Each year, it selects a maximum of two recipients for this award based on registered patents and academic presentations. The recent recipient, Takuya Aoki from NOK Corporation's R&D Materials Research Division, was recognized for his work titled "Low-Friction Sealing Device Utilizing Polymer Brush Technology."